What New Testament passages connect with the peace offering in Leviticus 3:4? The Picture in Leviticus 3:4 • In the fellowship (peace) offering the worshiper laid hands on the animal, identifying with it. • The priest then removed “the two kidneys with the fat on them … and the lobe of the liver” (Leviticus 3:4). • These inward parts—symbols of the deepest affections and motives—were placed on the altar, completely consumed for the LORD alone. • The result of this wholehearted surrender was shared peace: God received His portion, the priest received a portion, and the worshiper and his family shared a festive meal (Leviticus 7:15). Key New Testament Connections • Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” • Ephesians 2:13-16 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility … and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility.” • Colossians 1:19-20 “For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things … making peace through the blood of His cross.” • 1 Corinthians 10:16 “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? And the bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” • Hebrews 10:12, 14 “But when this Priest had offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, He sat down at the right hand of God … For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” • Hebrews 13:15-16 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name. And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” • Romans 12:1 “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Christ—the True Peace Offering • Just as the inward organs were wholly given to God, Jesus offered Himself without reserve—heart, soul, mind, and body—fulfilling every intent pictured in Leviticus 3:4. • His blood established permanent peace; His resurrection life is the shared meal we now enjoy (John 6:51). • Because He “is our peace,” every barrier between Jew and Gentile—and between a holy God and sinful people—has been removed. Sharing the Table of Fellowship • At the Lord’s Supper we reenact the fellowship aspect of the peace offering (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). We remember that the price of our peace is already paid. • Our response mirrors the fat and kidneys on the altar: we yield the hidden places of the heart, trusting the Spirit to purify motives and desires (Hebrews 4:12-13). Living the Peace Offering Today • Present your whole self to God (Romans 12:1). • Cultivate thanksgiving and praise—“a sacrifice of praise” that delights Him (Hebrews 13:15). • Actively pursue reconciliation with others, demonstrating the peace Christ secured (Matthew 5:23-24; Ephesians 4:3). • Celebrate the shared meal regularly with God’s people, remembering that the same sacrifice that brought you peace also brought them peace (Acts 2:42, 46). |
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